South Korea extends $5-million aid to PH

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - South Korea is extending $5 million (roughly P218 million) in aid to the Philippines, where parts of the country were devastated by a super typhoon last weekend, Yonhap News reported.

South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it also planning to send an emergency relief team to the Philippines. The team consists of 20 medical staff and 14 rescue workers.

The Korean government will provide cash and relief goods, such as food, blankets and tents.

"The aid decision has been made, considering the seriousness of human and economic damage from the typhoon, and our old and close bilateral relationship," the ministry was quoted by Yonhap as saying.

The Korea NGO Council for Overseas Development Cooperation is also offering $1 million in aid to the Philippines.

The super typhoon caused widespread devastation in central Philippines, with the death toll estimated at 10,000.

"In regard to emergency rescue and damage restoration, (South Korean officials), led by the foreign ministry, are advised to closely cooperate with the Philippine government... I feel very sorry for the massive human and property damage and extend my consolation to the Philippine people," South Korean Prime Minister Chung Hong-won said.

Earlier on Tuesday, South Korea's biggest conglomerate, the Samsung Group, said it is offering $1 million in aid to the Philippines.